Effective communications strategies to drive results
Gray Owl Strategy advises clients on communications strategies to build, protect and enhance their reputations.
The company is based in Nashville, TN and was founded by award-winning PR advisor Jenny Barker, APR, Fellow PRSA.
Using deep listening skills and asking good questions, we work to understand the factors at play and leverage our understanding to recommend the right messaging and tactics to drive results.
How can we help you? Get in touch.
Capabilities/Expertise
Brand Marketing & Communications
Business Transformation
Community Relations
Corporate Reputation
Culture
Crisis & Reputation Risk
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
Employee Experience
Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)
Executive Positioning
Financial Communications
Thought Leadership & Media Relations
Research
Industry Experience
Aerospace & Defense
Education
Engineering & Construction
Entertainment
Financial Services
Food & Beverage
Health & Wellness
Manufacturing
Nonprofit
Real Estate
Technology
Travel & Hospitality
Jenny Barker, APR, Fellow PRSA
Jenny is a trusted PR and marketing counselor with more than 20 years of experience serving publicly-traded companies, small businesses and nonprofits.
She loves helping brands move from friction to flow through workable systems and clear messaging. Her ability to organize, distill and simplify creates clarity to drive progress and growth.
Jenny began her career with Atkinson Public Relations, working with such clients as HCA, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Loews Hotels and American Airlines.
She was later recruited to lead PR and marketing for TriStar Centennial Medical Center, HCA's flagship hospital. She went on to serve on the executive team of Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center (one of Marriott International's largest hotels) for eight years before returning to PR consulting.
She has held the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential from Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) since 2008. In 2023, she was inducted into PRSA's honorary College of Fellows, the profession's highest recognition of communications excellence, ethics, service and leadership.
A graduate of Lipscomb University, Barker has been recognized as a Nashville Emerging Leader Award (NELA) winner and in the Nashville Business Journal's 40 under 40.
She has earned numerous awards from PRSA, Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), the Tennessee American Hotel & Lodging Association (TH&LA) as well as the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA).
Her volunteer leadership includes serving as President of the Junior League of Nashville during its centennial celebration (2021-2022), multiple board terms for the PRSA Nashville Chapter and chairing PRSA's International Conference in 2023.
She has served on the boards of Oasis Center, the Junior League of Nashville, Nashville Cable and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and is active in the Rotary Club of Nashville.
Jenny, her husband and their preteen daughter live in East Nashville and enjoy general aviation, motorcycling and travel adventures.